There are many people who have jobs that include standing for the majority of the day. This can cause pain and discomfort in the feet, and it is not uncommon to feel muscle weakness at the end of the day. Research has indicated that there are methods that can be implemented which may help to reduce soreness in the feet. These can include wearing shoes that fit correctly, and practicing strength training exercises. It is helpful to choose shoes that have maximum support, and many patients find it beneficial to wear insoles that can provide additional cushioning. Stretching before and after the work day may help to reduce the feeling of tired feet. When the feet are pointed and flexed, the arch may become stronger. If you would like more information about how to protect your feet during the work day, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail is an uncomfortable condition that generally affects the big toe. It occurs as a result of the toenail growing into the outer edges of the skin. Typical symptoms that many patients notice with this ailment can include redness, swelling, pain, and discomfort. Moderate relief may be found if larger shoes are worn as the healing process takes place, in addition to soaking the affected toe in warm water. In severe cases, the nail may become infected, and surgery may be required for proper healing. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to obtain the best treatment for your condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A common form of ankle pain is known as tendonitis. It is an inflammation of the tendons, and can occur as a result of an ankle sprain. This can happen when the tendons are stretched beyond their normal range. The symptoms that are generally associated with ankle tendonitis can consist of severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis as soon as possible. The average time for a full recovery can range between two to three months, and it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis so the correct treatment can begin. There are a variety of reasons why this condition may develop. These can include participating in sporting activities where the tendons are overstretched, genetic factors that can cause an abnormal foot structure, or medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. If you have injured your ankle and are experiencing pain and discomfort, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Unfortunately, arthritic feet can lead to a number of foot complications if not properly monitored. Arthritis can be passed down by genetics or through injuries, most commonly affecting athletes as well as industrial workers. Bacterial and viral infections that strike the joints can also lead to arthritis. It’s important you seek professional help when you notice the following symptoms: swelling, redness, limitation of motion, rashes, and pain or tenderness in the joints of the feet. To treat arthritic feet, a podiatrist may prescribe custom orthotics to correct the alignment of the feet and ankles, or in severe cases, may suggest surgery. For more information about arthritic feet, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and suggested treatment regime.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.